LOFT LAtinas 2015 Application

If you identify as Latina, reside in Los Angeles, are in 11th or 12th grade, and have an interest in public service and leadership, then you are eligible for the LOFT LAtinas Public Service Academy!

The program is completely free but requires full participation in three full day sessions as well as in our mentorship program where fellows are matched with a mentor from the LAtinas advisory board.

Eligibility Requirements

➢ Enrolled in 11th or 12th grade this year
➢ At least one parent is of Latino/Hispanic heritage
➢ At least a 2.0 GPA. (Exceptions can be made for promising candidates)
➢ Submit a complete application by February 15th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST

Please consider the following mandatory program dates when applying

➢ Saturday, April 4th, 9-6 p.m. Workshop
➢ Tuesday, April 14th, 9-6 p.m. Field Trip (permission form will be provided)
➢ Saturday, April 25th, 9-6 p.m. Workshop

Participants can expect a comprehensive experience that will include the following:

• Government and public policy training
• Fundraising experience
• Career and skill training sessions
• Special visits to different municipal government chambers to see public officials in action
• Personal mentor that will meet with you on a quarterly basis
• Internship matching with a local female elected official or an opportunity to participate in a voter registration or political campaign.
• Lifelong friends!
• A small stipend at the conclusion of the program (provided all requirements of the program are fulfilled)

Application Requirements

➢ Online Application
➢ Unofficial Transcript
➢ 1 Written Recommendation (email or attach)
➢ 1 photo of yourself (email or attach)

Application Deadline
➢ February 15th, 2015 at 11:59 PST
➢ Please send a scanned copy of your transcript to LAtinas@loftinstitute.org
➢ Subject line should be <First Name, Last Name LOFT LAtinas Application>

Review the full online application before you begin. If you have any questions regarding the application process or if you prefer the paper application please feel free to contact us at LAtinas@loftinstitute.org.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation:

Established by The White House in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's (HHF) mission is to inspire, prepare, and position Latino leaders in the classroom, community, and workforce to meet America's priorities. HHF is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization who believes that Latinos are the leaders of today, not tomorrow, and focuses on helping a Latinos and thousands more through innovation. HHF also promotes Latino cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions. Visit www.hispanicheritage.org.

About LOFT (LATINOS ON FAST TRACK):

The Latinos on Fast Track (LOFT) program is a leadership and workforce development program which hosts more than 30 symposia, summits or charlas a year tailored to various industries. LOFT also connects tens of thousands of 14-35 year olds for mentoring, networking and workforce development. LOFT also places hundreds of vetted students and young professionals in internships, mentorships and full-time positions with the private and public sectors. Visit www.loftinnovation.org and follow loft on twitter at @LOFTInstitute and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/hhfloft/

About LOFT LAtinas:

This program was founded by Ana Cubas in partnership with Ana Sheila (Shelli) Victorino in November of 2013 as an initiative under the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Their drive was to motivate and empower young Latinas throughout Los Angeles to learn about public service and encourage them to start thinking about the toolkit they need to run for office. LAtinas admitted their inaugural class of 21 fellows in April of 2014. The program was highlighted in La Opinion and several other community publications. To learn more about what the LAtinas program is doing for the community, visit: http://www.hispanicheritage.org/programs/latinos-on-fast-track-loft/latinas/

The application process is as follows:

➢ Review requirements and eligibility.
➢ Submit paper/online application, and supporting documents by February 15.
➢ Receive admission notification by March 1, 2015.
➢ If admitted, confirm your participation in signed agreement.

    STEP 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION

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    STEP 2: ACTIVITIES

    What do you do outside of the classroom? Including but not limited to clubs, organizations, sports team, hobbies, or work experience.
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    PART 3: ESSAY

    Write a one-page essay. The personal statement should be no longer than 500 words. Please answering the following questions: ➢ Who are you? Tell us about where you are from and your family background. ➢ What are your educational and career goals and why? ➢ Why are you interested in attending this institute? Have you ever thought about running for office?
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    STEP 4: GRADES

    Please email or send us an unofficial copy of your transcript from your school. Email us so that we may send you a letter to request your transcript.

    STEP 5: RECOMMENDATION LETTER

    Please submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, principal, or community leader. You should let your recommender know early enough to give him or her enough time to write your letter by February 15th at 11:59 PST. We will not accept letters from immediate family members. Please ask your recommender to write a one-page recommendation letter that includes your name and answers the following questions about you: 1. Why should be a participant in LOFT LAtinas? 2. How have you shown leadership qualities? They should email it to LAtinas@loftinstitute.org with the subject line: ""your name" Recommendation for LOFT LAtinas". They should make sure to include their name, position, and how they know you.
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    STEP 6: PHOTO

    Please submit a picture of yourself by February 15th at 11:49 PST. 1. Email to Latinas@loftinstitute.org with the subject line: <"your name" Self Portrait for LOFT Latinas.> 2. Submit an appropriate, high-quality picture of yourself above the shoulders with no one else in the frame. 3. Make sure your face is not covered by any items such as hats, glasses, etc.
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    APPLICATION CHECKLIST

    You have submitted the following by February 15th, 2015 at 11:59 PST. • Online Application form is complete • Personal Statement Essay is complete • Letter of Recommendation is submitted by mail or email to LAtinas@loftinstitute.org • Transcript is submitted • Photo of yourself

    Your online application, additional application requirements and completed recommendation letter, must be postmarked no later than February 15th, 2015. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. If you wish to send your additional requirements by mail please send them to 706 Amador St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.